The last meeting of the year for the Rock Creek and Boundary Fair Association was held last week on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

Treasurer Lisa Sims reported that the RCMP Staff Sgt. Jim Harrison attended the Nov. 4 meeting of the board of directors to bring the board up to speed on the status of the investigation into the financial records of the fair.

“The board was advised that local RCMP detachment had consulted with the federal commercial crimes section of the serious and organized crime service in Kelowna,” Sims said. “A recommendation was made and the RCMP are proceeding with the recommendation. This unfortunately has prolonged the investigation; however, it is deemed a necessary step in furthering the investigation along.”

Sims also told the meeting that a preliminary look at the budget for 2014 shows they brought in around $10,000 more than anticipated and spent some $14,000 less than had been budgeted for.

“Obviously anytime you make more money than you spend, then it’s good,” said Sims.

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There was a lengthy discussion of the policy regarding dogs on the fairgrounds property. The current policy is that no dogs are allowed during events.

“We will not ask for a motion at this time,” explained president Lincoln Blaine, adding, “There will be a new board at the AGM—but we would like some feedback.”

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Louise Fossen gave a report on the trip she and her husband Ed made to the 104th annual B.C. Fairs Conference. The theme of the conference was successfully combining tradition with change.

She provided many useful insights from the keynote address given by Peter Male, vice-president of sales for the PNE.

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Art Harfman proposed that agricultural produce be available for sale at the fair, something like a farmer’s market area.

“It would promote agriculture and provide a connection between producer and consumer,” Harfman said. The issue will come back at a later meeting as planning goes forward for next year’s fair.